Suns down Richmond in Cairns

THE Gold Coast Suns snapped their eight game losing streak in style, with a come from behind 15 point win over Richmond at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns on Saturday.

The Suns 12.13-85 to 9.16-70 victory in front of 10,382 fans in the first official AFL fixture in Far North Queensland, allowed them to move off the bottom of the ladder for the first time since Round 10.

It was looking anything like a win for the Suns after the Tigers kicked 6.8 to 1.2 in the first quarter, admittedly with the aid of a howling win.

But the Suns hit back in the second quarter, matching the Tigers haul of six goals and keeping the Tigers goalless to take a slender three point lead at half time.

The third quarter is often referred to as the premiership quarter, and there is no doubt the Suns effort in this quarter set up their victory. The Suns defended stoutly to hold the Tigers to two goals and stay within striking distance at the final change.

The Suns hit the front halfway through the last quarter, and finished off the match full of running to secure their third victory of the season.

Coach Guy McKenna believed the win was just the tonic the club needed, heading into a daunting month of footy, which includes home clashes with Collingwood and St Kilda, a trip to Geelong and round two of the QClash.

"It would certainly help the boys," he said.

"We certainly get some confidence out of this week and we look forward to the challenge ahead and embrace it.

"That next month of footy for us is going to be a fantastic opportunity to see how far the boys have come."

The Suns had many outstanding performers in the win, and their defensive rocks in Nathan Bock, who kept Tigers spearhead to just one goal, and Campbell Brown whose third quarter in particular was a highlight. Skipper Gary

Ablett, who was in doubt leading into the match, gathered 27 possessions and kicked a goal and Michael Rischitelli had 24 possessions and laid seven tackles. Sam Iles and Danny Stanley were also impressive and David Swallow continued his late season form surge.

Jared Brennan and Danny Stanley both kicked three goals for the Suns, with David Swallow kicking two goals. Ablett, Iles, Rischitelli and Josh Toy all kicked one goal each.

The Suns came through the match without any injuries.

The Suns next match is a blockbuster clash with reigning premiers Collingwood at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.